The United States has placed Nigeria on a list of countries facing possible restrictions on military assistance because of concerns over the recruitment and use of child soldiers. The decision could affect military training, weapons sales and defence cooperation.
Nigerian authorities have consistently denied that the country recruits or uses child soldiers.
The development comes at a sensitive time. Nigeria is fighting terrorism in the northeast and banditry in other regions, and any restriction on military cooperation could affect its security response.
Government should give a clear public response and show the steps being taken to protect children from recruitment by armed groups. Security agencies should also explain how they screen recruits and protect minors in conflict affected areas.
The protection of children should never be treated as a diplomatic issue alone. It is a moral duty and a measure of how seriously a government values the lives of its most vulnerable citizens.
By Viewers Corner News